RPG Adults
THE UNTAMEABLE TONGUE
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19
James 3:7-8
Romans 3:13-14
“…with their tongues
they have used deceit…”
THE UNTAMEABLE TONGUE
James further illustrates that all of nature’s wild beasts, birds, creeping things, and marine creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by man. However, the tongue is beyond the ability of man to tame. It is likened to the devil and is full of “deadly poison” (James 3:8). This term seems such an exaggeration by James, but let us remember this is the Word of God. The Lord knows what exactly our tongue is like. His description tells us that we must seek His help to tame it, for no man can!
Beasts can be tamed: To tame a wild beast is to bring it under control and to continue to restrain its animal instinct. The wildest, most brilliant, fastest, most powerful, and most elusive creatures are subject to man’s taming. James is asking his readers (by implication) to consider these animals as more civilised and controllable than their tongues. He mentions that the most savage beasts, and creatures of the greatest strength, have been tamed and “domesticated” by men. Likewise, the wild birds, notwithstanding their wildness and timorousness, the serpents, notwithstanding all their venom and cunning ways, have been made familiar and harmless.
But the tongue cannot: While the wild beasts can be tamed, the tongue cannot be tamed. “Deadly poison” implies “death-bringing,” and “unruly” (James 3:8) refers to something uncontrollable that cannot be restrained. It is the same word rendered “unstable” in James 1:8. In this context, the meaning goes well beyond that of unruly or restless. It suggests the idea of a wild animal fighting fiercely against the restraints of captivity.
While there is no power in man to control his tongue, Christians are confident of a far greater power that is able to keep and stay the tongue. When Balaam’s tongue was untamed, the LORD, by His own will, kept his tongue to say things according to His will.
THOUGHT: Do I seek God’s help to tame my tongue?
PRAYER: Father, Thou art the Creator and Designer of every part of my body. I pray Thou wilt bring all under Thy subjection, for Thy name’s sake.